'The Biggest Loser is our new motto': Leno under fire from top NBC producer after opening monologue slamming network's ratings

PUBLISHED: 01:02 EST, 16 March 2013 | UPDATED: 01:20 EST, 16 March 2013

Jay Leno reportedly got an earful from a top NBC executive after the late night host repeatedly used his home network as a punching bag, it was revealed in quiet reports Friday night.

The New York Times reported that NBC executive Robert Greenblatt emailed Leno after he lampooned the network in his opening monologue on a number of nights in February.

The alleged spat between the comedian and the network brass is just the latest in a steady stream of rocky reports from the channel.

Shots from within: Jay Leno made a series of jokes at NBC's expense in recent weeks, which his boss didn't like

Much of the controversy for the network is focused on the tanking ratings of the storied Today Show, which lost it's 16-year winning streak to competitor Good Morning America and seems unable to gain it back.

Going through the schedule, the news doesn't get much better for the rainbow peacock as it's entertainment division is going through a rough patch of poorly-viewed shows.

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After the circus that they faced with the late night line up after the 2011 debacle when the shifted Conan O'Brien out in favor of replacing Leno back to the coveted time slot of 11.35pm, things had just seemed to have settled back into a steady rhythm.

That is until Leno started hitting at NBC from within.

A talking too: NBC entertainment executive Robert Greenblatt (left) reportedly emailed Leno (right) after a particularly pointed monologue

'For the first time in history NBC is going to finish fifth in the ratings period. We are behind the Spanish-language network Univision — or as we call it here in Los Angeles: Cinco de Ratings,' he said during the February 28 broadcast.

The quips didn't stop there.

'It’s so bad, ‘The Biggest Loser’ isn’t just a TV show anymore; it’s our new motto,' he continued.

'It’s so bad, NBC called Manti Te’o and asked him to bring in some imaginary viewers.'

The New York Times ran an article Friday night that cited three unnamed sources close to the situation who said that they knew Mr Greenblatt sent Leno an email.

Young guns: Rumors have circulated that Jimmy Fallon (right), who is more popular with a younger demographic, will be asked to replace the aging Leno

That reportedly turned into a pointed back-and-forth between the two men, as Leno stood up for his routine saying that little- including their parent corporations- has been off limits for late night hosts in the past.

In this case, the timing could have been better: his jokes came in the midst of the financially-critical sweeps week where advertisers set their sales figures for the rest of the fiscal year.

Leno is in a tight spot himself as there is much speculation that he will be replaced by Jimmy Fallon, who is both younger and more successful in the ratings than the greying comedian.

NBC swiftly denied the reports of a Leno-Fallon swap, undoubtedly making Leno's critiques a bit more pointed.

NBC Executive and Leno Said to Have Clashed Over Jokes

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For as long as I've nightly watched Leno, which has been almost since he took retired Carson's spot, he has made fun of NBC. So now that what Leno is saying is blatantly & painfully true it's stopped being funny for the executives!? Well I guess the truth hurts. Maybe if the company had a better history of how they treat their employees ie. Ann Curry, Connan O'Brein , viewers might be a little more loyal & stick with the network in tough times. But why would I show loyalty to a network that doesn't show that loyalty to their own talent ?! I wouldn't & I don't think I'm alone!

- ME , New Hampshire, USA, 16/3/2013 20:38

Click to rate Rating 13

"Jay Leno reportedly got an earful from a top NBC executive..." The boss BOLDLY and COURAGEOUSLY confronted the employee, Leno, with an email. What ever happened to being "brought up on the carpet"?

- PatrickHFriel , Phoenix, United States, 16/3/2013 20:20

Click to rate Rating 4

NBC needs Leno more than Leno needs NBC.

- googs , Minneapolis, United States, 16/3/2013 20:20

Click to rate Rating 12

Leno is an original and most find him very funny! He is a class act, unlike those who criticize him who are clearly jealous. Letterman is become creepy and should never have been awarded the Kennedy Honors, but he was a big contributor to Obama!

- Lily , LondonandNYC, United States, 16/3/2013 19:51

Click to rate Rating 15

This guy gave a portion of his pay to staff because NBC was going to lay them off. And his show is one of 3 NBC shows that do well in ratings. So Robert Greenblatt might wanna shut his pie hole.

- Torn501s , Kalispell, United States, 16/3/2013 19:30

Click to rate Rating 31

It seems counter productive to attack one of your only talent that actually brings in an audience for joking about lack of ratings than trying to fix your ratings problem.

- shifty1032231 , Austin, 16/3/2013 17:21

Click to rate Rating 26

Leno is a multi-millionaire and a smart guy. He doesn't need NBC any longer. The lefty fools running the network lost half their viewers by being in the tank for Obama and the Democrats then they managed to run off the rest with their rotten programming.

- Will Davis , Chatsworth, 16/3/2013 15:56

Click to rate Rating 15

I'm not too familiar with NBC's talk show or daytime schedule, but even their primetime shows lack a lot of imagination, in particular this year I noticed "Deception" - an obvious direct rival to ABC's "Revenge". SO obvious, it seems abit lame. A shame rally. Smash = adult Glee, having watched Glee I wasn't inclined to watch ANOTHER musical primetime show. Chicago Fire showed promise for about 3 episodes and has become very boring. The New Normal was good for about 6 episodes but the 25 minute format doesn't suit it, should be 45 minutes or a sitcom. 3 shows going for NBC - Grimm, Fashion Star (but I think this will die this year, Project Runway remains fresher despite being on for so many years) and 1600 Penn which I don't think will last because there are too many primetime shows about the White House. My 99 cents lol

- Confessed Cynic , London, United Kingdom, 16/3/2013 15:35

Click to rate Rating 16

I love it that other networks are crushing crappy NBC!!!

- EEK SEZ , New England USA, 16/3/2013 15:25

Click to rate Rating 22

The ONLY show I now watch on NBC is Jay Leno. I stopped when they decided to become the mouthpiece of the Democratic Party. I am a consumer and the advertisers who support this aging network should be aware that my viewing starts with Fox News.

- Harry , Portland, United Kingdom, 16/3/2013 14:01

Click to rate Rating 13

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